All Articles
Showing 8321–8336 of 10245 results
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Structural engineering – How separate entities can strengthen your firm
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 598
Abstract: Each form of business — whether it’s a sole proprietorship, C or S corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or partnership — offers different advantages and disadvantages for a contractor. But there can be potential advantages to operating segments of a business through separate legal entities. This article shows how such a practice can reduce risk, offer tax advantages, help with succession and estate planning, and increase bonding capacity.
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Don’t let profit fade wipe out your bottom line
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 687
Abstract: Many construction projects fall prey to what’s known as “profit fade.” In many cases, this costly problem comes into play when a job goes awry, taking with it the expected profit margin. This article shows how doing one’s homework, expecting the unexpected, and writing clear, specific contracts can help prevent profit fade from wiping out the bottom line — and make a surety more confident in one’s ability to make a profit.
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A blueprint for strong cash flow
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 820
Abstract: Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, but it’s particularly critical for construction companies. It’s essential to lay a solid foundation for healthy cash flow, starting with the contract. In many cases, it’s possible to negotiate contract terms that can accelerate the flow of cash. This article looks at such terms, including payment terms, retainage provisions, change order procedures and requisitions. A sidebar offers nine cash-flow management tips.
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Understanding liquidation value: Are you in the know?
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 356
Abstract: Today’s faltering economy has meant that some businesses’ liquidation values exceed their going-concern values. This brief article notes the difference between going-concern value and liquidation value and explains the ins and outs of estimating liquidation value. It also mentions some of the factors valuators consider when going-concern value is no longer the best option.
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Valuators cover the gamut from A to Z
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 625
Abstract: A credible valuation that can withstand professional scrutiny requires diligent research and analysis of both the business interest itself and relevant valuation data, documented in an explanatory report. This article notes that valuation services can be helpful in numerous situations, including transaction planning, financial restructuring, litigation support and succession planning, pointing out that a valuator’s real skill is transforming assembled information into a meaningful valuation analysis.
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Re-evaluating discount rates in a distressed economy
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 712
Abstract: Investors require a certain return for taking on the risk of investing in a business. Valuators measure risk using discount (and capitalization) rates and measure return using future income streams. Estimating discount rates is a complex task, even in the best of times. But the volatile economy has forced valuators to re-evaluate traditional methods of quantifying discount rates. This article discusses some of the issues facing valuators as they estimate discount rates in the current business climate.
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Risk assessment — The added value of benchmarking
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1116
Abstract: All else being equal, the higher a business’s risk, the lower its value. Benchmarking a business against its competitors — or itself over time — is one way that valuators assess risk. This article looks at the components of a comprehensive benchmarking study and how various factors, including size, growth, liquidity and profitability, affect risk. The article points out that owners and managers can use a comprehensive benchmarking study as a strategic management tool and to help identify a business’s strengths, weaknesses and trends.
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BANK Wire – Federal Reserve sets rule on appraiser independence
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 387
Abstract: This issue’s “BANK Wire” discusses a Federal Reserve Board interim final rule on appraiser independence that expands on the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. It also explains why community banks seeking new sources of capital should consider applying to the Small Business Lending Fund.
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Small business lending – Watch out for inflated receivables
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 573
Abstract: In desperate attempts to secure loans in today’s conservative lending environment, some small businesses are artificially inflating their receivables on financial statements by postponing bad debt write-offs, stretching out revenue recognition cutoffs or even recording bogus sales. In other instances, small business staffs are stretched so thin that inadvertent errors in recording receivables are being made. Fortunately, bankers who conduct extra due diligence on receivables can sort fiction from fact and errors from accuracy. This article offers tips on how to do so.
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How does your bank gauge loan quality?
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: The real estate and financial crisis highlights the need for lender quality control (QC) programs. Recognizing this risk, Fannie Mae recently beefed up its QC policies, and Freddie Mac may follow suit. Banks that sell loans to the secondary market are required to have a QC program. But even those that don’t should consider following Fannie Mae’s guidelines to help ensure the quality of their loans. This article looks at the new requirements.
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Accounting for financial instruments – Proposal foretells major impact on banks
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1019
Abstract: The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) is considering proposed changes in accounting for financial instruments and plans to adopt final standards by June 2011. If adopted, the proposal — which calls for most financial instruments to be measured at fair value — would have a significant impact on the way banks account for loans, deposits and investments. It also would change the way banks measure credit impairment and calculate loan loss reserves. This article discusses some of the details, while a sidebar looks at FASB’s new credit risk and loan loss disclosure requirements.
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CRM software – Cultivating customer relationships
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 484
Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) software can help dealers improve sales closing ratios and build long-term customer relationships. But to maximize their return on this tool, they need to get all employees on board. This article shows how a properly implemented CRM system can dramatically improve sales, lower marketing costs and build customer loyalty.
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How to win over lenders
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: With lenders still clutching their pocketbooks tightly these days, what can dealers do to loosen them up? This article discusses strengthening one’s balance sheet, days-in-inventory ratio, and income statement; preparing to meet with a lender; and fostering a long-term relationship with the lender.
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The best defense is a good offense – Internal controls can thwart employee fraud
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: An auto dealership that puts strong internal controls in place — and tests them frequently — will likely discourage anyone in the store who’s considering theft and thwart or catch those who are more daring. This article stresses the importance of segregating duties and limiting access to cash and inventory, while offering additional tips for discouraging theft or dishonesty at all levels.
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On your mark, get set, go – 5 ways to prepare for market recovery
Winter 2011
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 864
Abstract: New vehicle sales figures for the last half of 2010 show signs of recovery. And many analysts predict more good news ahead. This article lists five things dealers can do to be ready for an uptick in 2011, including fostering a team environment and catering to the customer. A sidebar cautions, however, that a large percentage increase in sales growth might not be as impressive as it appears.
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When settlement proceeds are taxable
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 499
Abstract: The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a Tax Court ruling that settlement proceeds received for false imprisonment aren’t excludable from taxable income under Internal Revenue Code Section 104(a)(2). This article discusses the opinion, which offers a valuable reminder of the two-pronged test for exclusion of income.